Patrick Edward Walsh

Pat was born in Oakland, California. He was the oldest of five children of Patrick Francis and Emma Walsh. His grandparents, Patrick John and Theresa Walsh, lived one block away. Pat’s dad took the ferry from Oakland to San Francisco to work each day. In his boyhood, Pat’s family participated in the shared sacrifices all American families experienced during World War II.

Pat attended Catholic school, including St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda. Between his junior and senior year, Pat’s family moved to Bakersfield, California, where his father was promoted to the position of bank manager. Pat enrolled in Garces High School for his senior year, where he excelled at football, basketball, and track and field. His younger brothers were also gifted athletes. Years later, the school awarded Pat’s mother Emma an honorary letter at a halftime ceremony at a football game for her contributions to several years of success in athletics.

After graduating from high school, Pat dabbled in college but decided to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1957. While his official designation was radio operator, his base commander saw great wisdom in assigning Pat to play on the base football, basketball, and baseball teams. He spent much of his enlistment on a field or in the gym.

Pat married Paula Baker in 1959. They had five children: Patrick Matthew, Kathleen, Mary Ann, William, and Nancy. In the first years of his marriage Pat used his benefits from the G.I. Bill to finish his Bachelor of Arts degree and obtain a California teaching credential, all while working as a brakeman for the railroad. The family moved to San Diego in 1968, and into his forever home in 1970.

Pat embarked on a professional career as an educator and coach. He taught middle school mathematics and coached high school football and basketball. On one occasion, he and two colleagues were unhappy with the math book available to them, so they wrote their own textbook. He was also president of the teachers’ union and advocated strongly for the school district to focus expenditures on supporting student achievement both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities.

Even with the demands of his job, Pat’s primary focus was on his family. The family was grounded in faith, and the seven members of the family filled the whole pew in church on Sunday. There were a variety of sporting events, concerts, awards assemblies, field trips, and visits to the library, museums, and parks. The children were a rambunctious lot, and Pat and Paula were on a first-name basis with the emergency room doctor. Someone was always in stitches or a sling. When the streetlight came on at dusk, that was the signal for the children to come home for dinner. Pat and Paula believed strongly in the importance of a family dinner. Paula was a great cook, and any friends in the house at dinner time were welcome to join in the meal. Pat and Paula took their children camping every summer. They also camped at the beach several times throughout the year.

As the children got older, Pat and Paula experienced new joys, including the marriages of children, the birth of grandchildren, college degrees, advanced education, military service, more athletics, more concerts, and more awards. Being Grandpa and Grandma was serious fun!

When Paula became sick, Pat cared for her until her final day. His love and his faith were beacons for the family through this challenging time.

The last few years, Pat has received the gift of great-grandchildren. He has mastered social media to connect with old friends and classmates, as well as with former students. He was very resilient, and he explained that God must still have some purpose for him here in this life.

Pat died peacefully in his sleep, in his home, three days after seeing his children for his 89th birthday. His heavenly greeting team includes: his wife, Paula; his parents, Pat, and Emma; his siblings, Mary Theresa, Tom, and Larry; sister-in-law, Mary; and nephew, Douglas. They are up in heaven prepping the grill for a meal of barbecued tri-tip, salad, and garlic bread. Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Johnny Cash are serenading the event.

Pat leaves behind five children, eleven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, several of his cousins, thousands of students and athletes whose lives he touched, as well as thousands of colleagues and friends. All are grateful for his love, support, and guidance.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests finding a church, going inside, and praying for peace.

A visitation will be held at Goodbody Mortuary, located at 5027 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92115, on November 2, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

The funeral mass will take place at Holy Angels Byzantine Catholic Church, 2235 Galahad Rd, San Diego, CA 92123, on November 3, 2025, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

The committal will follow at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr, San Diego, CA 92122, on November 3, 2025, from 1:15 pm to 1:45 pm.